Adjusting Device Coacting Arm Rests in a Chair

ABSTRACT

An adjusting device which can be implemented in a chair and which can be utilized to coact with two arm rests thereof includes a first and second blocks aligned coaxially with each other. A first and a second plates which are adapted for connecting the two arm rests respectively are moveably attached to the first and second blocks respectively. An adjusting mechanism interconnects the first and second plates and is operable to urge the first plate with respect to the first block and the second plate with respect to the second block concurrently, and in which the first and second plates are moved oppositely by the actuating device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an adjusting device, in particular, to an adjusting device which can be implemented in a chair and which can be utilized to coact with two arm rests thereof, and in particular, the arm rests can be adjusted concurrently by the adjusting device.

2. Description of the Related Art

U.S. Pat. No. 6,296,313 to Wu teaches an adjusting device for an arm rest of a chair such that user can operably use the adjusting device to move the arm rest outward with respect to the chair for affording a greater seating space. Generally, it is a common practice that when user finishes adjustment to one arm rest, he or she will make another effort to do adjustment to the other arm rest as well in order that the arm rests are equally spaced from the chair.

The present invention is, therefore, intended to provide for an adjusting device adapted to save effort on adjustments of the arm rests by enabling the arm rests to be adjusted concurrently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, an adjusting device which can be implemented in a chair and which can be utilized to coact with two arm rests thereof includes a first and a second blocks aligned coaxially with each other. A first and a second plates which are adapted for connecting the two arm rests respectively are moveably attached to the first and second blocks respectively. An adjusting mechanism interconnects the first and second plates and is operable to urge the first plate with respect to the first block and the second plate with respect to the second block concurrently, and in which the first and second plates are moved oppositely by the actuating device.

Preferably, the adjusting device further includes a positioning mechanism installed to the first plate so as to hold a relative movement of the first plate with respect to the first block and a relative movement of the second plate with respect to the second block.

In another embodiment, the first and second blocks are moveably installed on a platform and are operable to move concurrently in the same direction by a secondary adjusting mechanism

It is therefore an object of the present invention that the two arms rests can be adjusted concurrently by the adjusting device.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjusting device in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, with the adjusting device being implemented in a chair to coact with two arm rests thereof, and with a seat and a backrest thereof shown in phantom.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the adjusting device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 4, but illustrating the arm rests being moved outward from the chair by the adjusting device.

FIG. 7 is a cross section view of FIG. 6

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but illustrating a positioning adjusting mechanism thereof in another position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an adjusting device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, with the adjusting device being implemented in a chair to coact with two arm rests thereof, and with a seat and a backrest thereof shown in phantom.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the adjusting device shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view similar to FIG. 12, but illustrating the arm rests being moved outward from the chair by the adjusting device.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an adjusting device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, with the adjusting device being implemented in a chair to coact with two arm rests thereof, and with a seat and a backrest thereof shown in phantom.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of the adjusting device shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side view of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a side view similar to FIG. 16, but illustrating the arm rests in another position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1 though 9 show an adjusting device which can be implemented in a chair and which can be utilized to coact with two arm rests 60 thereof in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

The adjusting device includes two blocks 10, with one referred as a first block and the other referred as a second block, which are mounted on a seat 50 of the chair and are aligned coaxially with each other. Each of the first and second blocks 10 has a substantially U-shaped geometry consisted of two sidewalls 11 and a groove 13. Further, an array of plurality of holes 14 are defined on each groove 13.

Two plates 20, with one referred as a first plate and the other referred as a second plate, are adapted for connecting the two arm rests 60 respectively and the first and second plates 20 are moveably attached to the first and second blocks 10 respectively. Further, a through slot 21 is defined on each of the first and second plates 20. Additionally, note that the first plate 20 is supported by two supporting members 12 installed to the two sidewalls 11 of the first block 10. Likewise, the second plate 20 is supported by another two supporting members installed to the two sidewalls of the second block 10.

Preferably, each supporting member 12 has a cross-sectional greater than that of each sidewall 11. Thus, the first and second plates 20 are prevented disengagement from the first and second blocks 10 respectively.

Preferably, each supporting members 12 is installed to each sidewall 11 by means of fasteners (not numbered) or adhesives alternatively or the like. Nevertheless, it is understood that the supporting member 12 may be formed integrally with the side wall 20.

An adjusting mechanism 30 includes a linking member 31 which is attached fixedly to the first plate 10 and which has a plurality of teeth 311 formed thereon. Further, a coupling member 33 is attached fixedly to the second plate 20 by means of fasteners (not numbered), or adhesives alternatively or the like. Nevertheless, it is understood that the coupling member 33 may be formed integrally with the second plate 20. The coupling member 33 has a plurality of teeth 331 formed thereon and is opposite to the plurality of teeth 311 on the linking member 30. Further, a shaft 321 is inserted through the slot 21 of the second plate 20 and is connected fixedly to the second block 10. Then, when a terminal end of the through slot 21 is abutted by the shaft 321 the second plate 20 would be inhibited from further advancement with respect to the second block 10. Further, a pinion 32 is rotatably moveable with respect to the shaft 321 and interconnects the teeth 331 of the linking member 33 and the teeth 311 of the coupling member 31.

The adjusting mechanism 30 is operable to urge the first plate 20 with respect to the first block 10 and the second plate 20 with respect to the second block 10 concurrently, and in which the first and second plates 20 are moved oppositely.

A positioning mechanism 40 is installed to the first plate 20 so as to hold a relative movement of the first plate 20 with respect to the first block 10 and a relative movement of the second plate 20 with respect to the second block 10.

The positioning mechanism 40 includes a lever arm 41 pivotally connected to a lug 44, which is formed on the first plate 20. The lever arm 41 is operable to move an engaging member 42 to selectively engage in one of the array of plurality of holes 14 in the first block 10. Specifically, when the engaging member 42 is engaged with one of the plurality of holes 14, the first plate 20 is held from movement with respect to the first block 10. Likewise, the second plate 20 is held from movement with respect to the second block 10.

In addition, a pin 45 is utilized with the lever arm 42 and includes a portion located between the lever arm 41 and the first plate 20 receiving a resilient member 43. Thus, when the lever arm 42 is operable to move the engaging member 42 to disengage from a particular hole 14 the resilient member 43 is depressed, while when the lever arm 42 is operable to move the engaging member 42 to engage with a particular hole 14 the resilient member 43 is adapted to facilitate the engagement.

FIGS. 10 though 13 show an adjusting device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The adjusting device differentiates from the first embodiment in that an adjusting mechanism 70 includes a first link 71 having a first end pivotally attached to the first plate 20 and a second end, a second link 72 having a first end pivotally attached to the second end of the first link 71 and a second end, and a third link 73 having a first end pivotally attached to the second end of the second link 72 and a second end pivotally attached to the second plate 20. Moreover, the adjusting mechanism 70 includes one shaft 74 inserted through the through slots 21 of first plate 20 and connected fixedly to the first block 10, and another shaft 74 inserted through the through slot 21 of the second plate 20 respectively and connected fixedly to the second block 10 respectively. In this case, the first 71, second 72 and third links 73 would pivot in relation to each other to urge the first plate 20 with respect to the first block 10 and the second plate 20 with respect to the second block 10 concurrently.

FIGS. 14 through 17 show an adjusting device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The adjusting device differentiates from the first embodiment in that a first and a second blocks 10′ are moveably installed on a platform 90 and are operable to move concurrently in the same direction. Moreover, each of the first and second blocks 10′ includes a through slot 81 and a shaft 82 inserted through the through slot 81 and connected fixedly to the associated block 10′. Then, when a terminal end of the through slot 81 is abutted by the shaft 82, the block 10′ would be inhibited from further advancement with respect to the platform 90. Further, a secondary adjusting mechanism 34 includes at least one coupling member 35 which is attached fixedly to one of the first and second blocks 10′ and which has a plurality of teeth 351 formed thereon, and a pinion 36 which is operable to engage with the plurality of teeth 351 of the coupling member 35 to thereby facilitate relative movement of the first and second blocks 10′ with respect to the platform 90. Additionally, a controller 37 may be utilized to enable user to readily move the pinion 35.

While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of invention and the scope of invention is only limited by the scope of accompanying claims. 

1. An adjusting device which can be implemented in a chair and which can be utilized to coact with two arm rests thereof comprising: a first and a second blocks adapted for mounting on the chair aligned coaxially with each other; a first and a second plate adapted for connecting the two arm rests respectively moveably attached to the first and second blocks respectively; and an adjusting mechanism interconnecting the first and second plates and being operable to urge the first plate with respect to the first block and the second plate with respect to the second block concurrently and; wherein the first and second plates are moved oppositely by the actuating device.
 2. The adjusting device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a positioning mechanism installed to the first plate so as to hold a relative movement of the first plate with respect to the first block and a relative movement of the second plate with respect to the second block.
 3. The adjusting device as claimed in claim 2 wherein each of the first and second blocks includes an array of plurality of holes, and wherein the positioning mechanism includes a lever arm and an engaging member, with the lever arm being operable to move the engaging member to selectively engage in one of the array of plurality of holes in the first block.
 4. The adjusting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the first and second plates includes a through slot, and wherein the adjusting mechanism includes a linking member attached fixedly to the first plate and having a plurality of teeth formed thereon, and wherein the adjusting mechanism further includes a coupling member attached fixedly to the second plate and having a plurality of teeth formed thereon, and with the plurality of teeth on the coupling member being opposite to the plurality of teeth on the linking member, and wherein the adjusting mechanism further includes a shaft inserted through the slot of the second plate and connected fixedly to the second block, and wherein the adjusting mechanism further includes a pinion rotatably moveable with respect to the shaft and interconnecting the teeth of the linking member and the teeth of the coupling member.
 5. The adjusting device as claimed in claim 3 wherein each of the first and second plates includes a through slot, and wherein the adjusting mechanism includes a linking member attached fixedly to the first plate and having a plurality of teeth formed thereon, and wherein the adjusting mechanism further includes a coupling member attached fixedly to the second plate and having a plurality of teeth formed thereon, and with the plurality of teeth on the coupling member being opposite to the plurality of teeth on the linking member, and wherein the adjusting mechanism further includes a shaft inserted through the slot of the second plate and connected fixedly to the second block, and wherein the adjusting mechanism further includes a pinion rotatably moveable with respect to the shaft and interconnecting the teeth of the linking member and the teeth of the coupling member
 6. The adjusting device as claimed in claim 3 further comprising a lug formed on the first plate, and wherein the lever arm is pivotally connected to the lug.
 7. The adjusting device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the lever arm includes a pin connected thereto, and with the pin including a portion located between the lever arm and the first plate, and with the portion receiving a resilient member.
 8. The adjusting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of the first and second plates includes a through slot, and wherein the adjusting mechanism includes a first link having a first end pivotally attached to the first plate and a second end, a second link having a first end pivotally attached to the second end of the first link and a second end, and a third link having a first end pivotally attached to the second end of the second link and a second end pivotally attached to the second plate, and wherein the adjusting mechanism further includes one shaft inserted through the through slots of first plate and connected fixedly to the first block, and another shaft inserted through the through slot of the second plate respectively and connected fixedly to the second block respectively.
 9. The adjusting device as claimed in claim 3 wherein each of the first and second plates includes a through slot, and wherein the adjusting mechanism includes a first link having a first end pivotally attached to the first plate and a second end, a second link having a first end pivotally attached to the second end of the first link and a second end, and a third link having a first end pivotally attached to the second end of the second link and a second end pivotally attached to the second plate, and wherein the adjusting mechanism further includes one shaft inserted through the through slots of first plate and connected fixedly to the first block, and another shaft inserted through the through slot of the second plate respectively and connected fixedly to the second block respectively.
 10. The adjusting device as claimed in claim 9 further comprising a lug formed on the first plate, and wherein the lever arm is pivotally connected to the lug.
 11. The adjusting device as claimed in claim 10 wherein the lever arm includes a pin connected thereto, and with the pin including a portion located between the lever arm and the first plate, and with the portion receiving a resilient member.
 12. The adjusting device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first and second blocks are moveably installed on a platform and are operable to move concurrently in a direction, and each includes a through slot and a shaft inserted through the through slot and connected fixedly to the block.
 13. The adjusting device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the adjusting mechanism includes a secondary adjusting mechanism including a coupling member attached fixedly to one of the first and second blocks and having a plurality of teeth formed thereon, and wherein the secondary adjusting mechanism further includes a pinion being operable to engage with the plurality of teeth of the coupling member.
 14. The adjusting device as claimed in claim 12 wherein each of the first and second plates includes a through slot, and wherein the adjusting mechanism includes a linking member attached fixedly to the first plate and having a plurality of teeth formed thereon, and wherein the adjusting mechanism further includes a coupling member attached fixedly to the second plate and having a plurality of teeth formed thereon, and with the plurality of teeth on the coupling member being opposite to the plurality of teeth on the linking member, and wherein the adjusting mechanism further includes a shaft inserted through the slot of the second plate and connected fixedly to the second block, and wherein the adjusting mechanism further includes a pinion rotatably moveable with respect to the shaft and interconnecting the teeth of the linking member and the teeth of the coupling member.
 15. The adjusting device as claimed in claim 12 further comprising a positioning mechanism installed to the first plate so as to hold a movement of the first plate with respect to the first block and a movement of the second plate with respect to the second block.
 16. The adjusting device as claimed in claim 15 wherein each of the first and second blocks includes a plurality of holes, and wherein the positioning mechanism includes a lever arm and an engaging member, with the lever arm being operable to move the engaging member to selectively engage in one of the plurality of holes in the first block.
 17. The adjusting device as claimed in claim 14 further comprising a positioning mechanism installed to the first plate so as to hold a movement of the first plate with respect to the first block and a movement of the second plate with respect to the second block.
 18. The adjusting device as claimed in claim 17 wherein each of the first and second blocks includes a plurality of holes, and wherein the positioning mechanism includes a lever arm and an engaging member, with the lever arm being operable to move the engaging member to selectively engage in one of the plurality of holes in the first block. 